#10 Things to make you a little more H A P P I E R

I have decided to wake up every morning earlier than usual, meditate or just breathe for 5-10 minutes, pen down my tasks and thoughts for the day, and then write down 10 ideas. Yes, 10 ideas.

This morning I thought of one that I would document here, you know for safekeeping and as a reminder. That is to do these #10 things to make you a little more happier then you already are.

#1 Recognize the lessons in your mistakes.

Where you are now isn’t your final destination; that means mistakes will happen along the way, but you’re not supposed to dwell in them. Recognize the lessons, seize the opportunity to learn from them, and just don’t make them again. Always remember, mistakes give you the opportunity to start again more intelligently. No regrets here!

#2 Enjoy the things you have.

Happiness has the tendency to look like a process of addition and never content… Pile on the shoes, the makeup, the opportunities, and the money. But stop for a few minutes every day to revel in the things you already have. We’d bet that everything on your plate is more than sufficient to make you happy. How to know if your content? Take it from me, when it my birthday and my friends wonder what to give me? Well, I have got no wish list... I finally started feeling that in my early 20s with no sadness case I'm just happy.

#3 Help others and celebrate their successes.

Your journey isn’t a competition so take genuine interest in the genuine people around you, cheer for them on the sidelines, and celebrate their victories. You’ll feel so much better when you’re a supporter rather than a hater. And what goes around comes around… When it’s your turn, they’ll be rooting for you. Note, this happens when you have sorted out your genuine circle of trust. Trust me! Hold on to every genuine person you find. This generation of ours has people driven by ego, money and status. As a result good souls are ruined daily. Keep your head up and be conscious of the energy you give out and connect with.

#4 Express yourself.

Don’t be afraid to feel the way you feel and be vocal about it. It might hurt someone’s feelings (my sister believes in putting it in a nice way and being the better person) and there’s always going to be someone to disagree, but it’s most important to let them know how you truly feel. When you’re being true to yourself and your feelings, there’s an inexplicable load fleeing your soul.

#5 Stop complicating everything.

Life’s actually really simple – you just live it, but it’s the desires, the insecurities, and the comparisons that complicate it. So simplify – stop holding the weight of the world on your shoulders and taking responsibility for everyone else – just live… C'est la vie

#6 Hold yourself accountable.

You are always responsible for how you act regardless of how you feel. That means you need to stop making excuses and blaming others. The next time something doesn’t render as planned, take a microscopic look at your actions and your attitude. The anger and unhappiness is more often than not, an internal problem.

#7 Go outside.

It’s fascinating what a little time outdoors can do for your mood. Think about how much happier and liberating you feel in a bright, warmer setting versus a gloomy, cold environment… Why do people vacation in the tropics and beaches versus the cold? Being outside is cathartic.

#8 Do what you say.

Less talking, more doing. Being a person of your words is a confidence booster. Others will recognize your actions and begin to trust you and it’s amazing what can happen when people start believing in you. Plus, you’re paving the way for bigger and better things.

#9 Invest in yourself.

In a world of go go go, it’s easy to get lost in focusing on everything outside of you that you start to forget who you are. Especially if you are living in a Modern Asian City where everyone is on the run in rat race. Take time to really invest in yourself – learn a new skill, pick up a new hobby, spend time with the people who matter most, and put money where you may not see an immediate return.

#10 Forgive and forget.

There’s the saying, “Forgive, but never forget”…we beg to differ – there’s no way you’re truly letting go or forgiving if you’re not forgetting. So do yourself a favor…unleash yourself from the burden of the wrongs done to you and move forward without constantly looking back. You can’t move forward if you’re always looking in the rear-view mirror.